Catheter with a pre-shaped distal tip

Abstract

Catheters having a pre-shaped tip configuration are disclosed. A catheter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated tubular shaft equipped with a distal tip section having a pre-shaped tip configuration that can be used to facilitate tracking of the device through particular locations of the vasculature. The catheter may include a number of features that transition the stiffness and flexibility characteristics of the device and provide a means to radiographically visualize the catheter within the body.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A catheter, comprising:
 an elongated tubular shaft comprising an outer layer formed of a polymer, the outer layer having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the outer layer comprising a proximal shaft section formed of a first polymer, an intermediate shaft section formed of a second polymer, a distal shaft section formed of a third polymer, and an interior lumen adapted to slidably receive a guidewire; 
 a reinforcement extending substantially from the inner diameter of the outer layer to the outer diameter of the outer layer, the reinforcement comprising a first coil segment having a plurality of wire coil layers that are completely encased within the polymer forming the outer layer and a second coil segment extending distally from the first coil segment into the distal shaft section and comprising a single wire coil layer that is completely encased within the polymer forming the outer layer, wherein the first coil segment extends from the intermediate shaft section, through the proximal shaft section, to a position substantially adjacent a proximal end of the elongated tubular shaft; 
 a distal tip section having a pre-shaped curved tip configuration; 
 
       wherein the elongated tubular shaft includes an inner layer or coating of lubricious material disposed adjacent the interior lumen; and
 an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer or coating. 
 
     
     
       2. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer or coating of lubricious material includes a hydrophilic polymer. 
     
     
       3. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer terminates distally at a location proximal to the distal end of the elongated tubular shaft. 
     
     
       4. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the first polymer of the proximal shaft section has a durometer greater than the third polymer of the distal shaft section. 
     
     
       5. The catheter of  claim 4 , wherein the second polymer of the intermediate shaft section has a durometer greater than the third polymer of the distal shaft section and a durometer less than the first polymer of the proximal shaft section. 
     
     
       6. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate shaft section comprises a first intermediate layer segment formed of a first material, and a second intermediate layer segment formed of a second material different than the first material. 
     
     
       7. The catheter of  claim 6 , wherein the first material of said first intermediate layer segment has a durometer greater than the second material of said second intermediate layer segment. 
     
     
       8. The catheter of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer coating of lubricious material disposed along all or a portion of the elongated tubular shaft. 
     
     
       9. The catheter of  claim 1 , further comprising a first radiopaque marker encased within the distal shaft section of the outer layer. 
     
     
       10. The catheter of  claim 9 , further comprising a second radiopaque marker encased within the distal shaft section of the outer layer proximal to the first radiopaque marker. 
     
     
       11. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated tubular shaft includes radiopaque filler. 
     
     
       12. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein said pre-shaped tip configuration comprises an angled tip configuration. 
     
     
       13. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein said pre-shaped tip configuration comprises a multi-curved tip configuration. 
     
     
       14. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein said pre-shaped tip configuration comprises a J-shaped tip configuration. 
     
     
       15. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein said pre-shaped tip configuration comprises a C-shaped tip configuration. 
     
     
       16. The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein said pre-shaped tip configuration comprises an S-shaped tip configuration. 
     
     
       17. The catheter of  claim 1 , further comprising a mandrel disposed within the interior lumen of the elongated tubular shaft.